Personal Collection: W.I.C's Original Project A-Ko Cream Lemon Original Setting Documents (1984)

 (The original cut bag containing some of the original Project A-Ko settei from 1984, sold originally at Comiket 26 with other Cream Lemon works by W.I.C. The circle, as of today's understanding, comprised of the animators Yūji Moriyama, Takashi Akaishizawa  and Katsuhiko Nishijima. The cut bag states that these settei were tentative for the upcoming OVA that wouldn't be released until 1986.)

I was pushed to purchase this from a friend after they brought it to my attention in our Discord chat. While I'd been skimming it on Yahoo Auctions, I didn't feel pushed to get it until this particular individual told me I should - their eye, taste and discernment are very important to me, so I fought for it among others. The seller, while a bit disingenuous with the auction (the seller insisted upon extending the auction for an entire 10 minutes when the gavel drew near), finally awarded me my prize - here it is for all to enjoy in tandem.

Scanned as found with some additional cleaning. These setting documents are highly peculiar and were included in their original cut bag with several Cream Lemon settei for Star Trap and scenario information. The cut bag states that these settei were 'tentative', meaning that they were originally aimed to be used in Cream Lemon proper before being made into an OVA nearly 2 years later. Each document is signed, titled and dated at August 16th, 1984. It would seem that these are Yūji Moriyama (森山雄治)'s earliest designs and he leaves a note within the booklet itself:

"I was surprised, but before I knew what the future held, I thought it would be fun if there was an anime like this, so I made this book. I actually wanted to make a proper book with a proper story this time, so please forgive me. I would like to publish a more solid, full-fledged book for the next winter Comic Market. There were a lot of interesting settings that I drew that were scrapped this time, and there were also a lot of original illustrations I made, but... what a shame, a shame... Of course, I will still be drawing girls and male characters. (Oops, that's a dangerous thought.) Don't forget. There will also be manga about it. (I think) So, the whole staff is fired up, starting with the pervert Mr. Moriyama (huh?) and the mecha fetish Mr. XX (oops), so I'm sure we will have a luxurious book in the winter. Well, please look forward to the next one! All the W.I.C staff will be using these documents in the future."

Additional information can be found in the bylines of the book itself: "おくづけ

プロジェクトA子(仮) キャラクター設定集 ☆企画製作発行 WI W-I-C ☆発行年月日 '84-8-19"

This book was originally sold at Comiket 26 on August 19th. As Yūji mentioned another one possibly being sold at the winter Comiket of that same year, there may be another book or manga as noted that exists out there. Artists Takashi Akaishizawa (貴士赤石沢) and Katsuhiko Nishijima (西嶋勝彦) also participated in leaps and bounds. I'm quite happy to share such history on such an iconic film!